Pradeep Mathur retired from CIBC in 2022 after a 44-year career in banking as a Risk Management professional. Since then, he has continued to give back as a mentor. At the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership Impact Awards 2025 co-hosted by CIBC we proudly recognized Pradeep for mentoring over 30 newcomers. He shares what inspires him to keep coming back.
What inspired you to become a mentor with the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) Program?
I felt the pain and dejection all skilled immigrants face in finding suitable employment in Canada, and wanted to support them. I myself faced this – having migrated here in 2008, and despite being an MBA from the #1 management institute of India and having over 30 years of international banking experience – it took me 13 months to find my first job. Mentoring new immigrants was my way of giving back.
Is there a story or moment from your mentoring experience that has stayed with you — something that reminded you why this work matters?
For me the most important thing these partnerships give is the mental support mentors provide to the mentees. Skilled immigrants come to this wonderful country with a dream of happiness and soaring success. Within a month or two, their hopes are down in the dumps as they are unable to find any employment. As mentors we give the boost needed to keep their dreams alive and provide the professional support to make these a reality in a planned manner.
How has mentoring impacted you in your own professional journey?
I started mentoring in the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership program within 2 years of starting to work in Toronto. This led to my involvement in Inclusion and Diversity initiatives at the bank, and in turn being awarded the Diversity Champion very soon thereafter. All this helped me improve my leadership and networking skills.
What would you say to other individuals to encourage them to become mentors in the program?
It’s a wonderful way of meeting new people from different parts of the world, and sharing your experience and professional knowledge. Giving back doubles your own happiness.
What have you learned from the newcomers you’ve mentored?
I have learnt a lot from the diverse life and work experiences and backgrounds of the newcomers from all over the globe.
In one sentence, how would you describe the impact of mentorship?
Mentorship is clearly a win-win for everyone.
Inspired by Pradeep’s story and interested in mentoring newcomers to Canada? Find out more about becoming a mentor.